About Us
Harlem Grown's mission is to inspire youth to live healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.
Harlem Grown operates 13 urban agricultural sites featuring 5 soil-based urban farms, 4 school gardens, 3 hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122 and 152 Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.
Since 2021, our programming has served over 10,000 youth in Harlem, we've produced and distributed over 100,000 servings of food, and diverted over 50,000 pounds of food scraps into local compost operations.
Our Programs
Harlem Grown provides youth and community development programs focused on urban farming, wellness, and sustainability through the lens of racial justice, food justice, social justice, and equity. Our youth focused programs include intensive school partnerships, educational farm tours, a summer camp, a Saturday enrichment program, monthly community events, an afterschool program, and our Mobile Teaching Kitchen. Our community development programs open to all ages include wellness workshops, special events, food scrap collection for composting, and fresh produce distribution to participants, volunteers, and neighborhood residents.
Type: Full time, Hourly
Schedule: M-F 10am-6pm September through June; M-F 8am-4pm July-August
Harlem Grown is seeking a dynamic and skilled Chef Coordinator to coordinate the culinary operations of our programs. This person has a strong background in culinary arts and exceptional organizational skills. This person will be leading all culinary education programming for Harlem Grown's In-School, After-School, Community, Summer Camp and Mobile Teaching Kitchen programs with the support of a chef educator. The person in this position will lead culturally responsive, educational cooking classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors. In partnership with the Agriculture Team and utilizing our locally grown produce, this person will plan a culturally relevant cooking curriculum for young people to engage with healthy food and develop their culinary skills. Chef Coordinator will be responsible for menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring the overall success of our culinary education programming.
Key Responsibilities:
Menu Planning and Development:
- Create innovative and appealing menus that are culturally relevant to the community of Harlem and promote health eating choices using fresh vegetables harvested from our farms (when applicable)
- Stay updated on culinary trends, techniques and incorporate new and exciting dishes into the menu
- Plan menu for after-school snack, educational programming in alignment with program curriculum
Program Planning and Implementation:
- Develop recipes aligned to Harlem Grown's standards-aligned cooking curriculum that caters to the diverse needs and interests of participating students
- Collaborate with the Partnerships Coordinator in the scheduling and implementation of cooking demonstrations and lessons for the Mobile Teaching Kitchen, Farm Education Programming, and collaborative programs with external partners
- Work with Partnerships on the development, implementation, and lead an engaging calendar of activities for our Farm Education Programming happening on the 127th Street and 134th Street Farms
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate cooking demonstrations and discussions for various groups of different ages
Food Preparation and Quality Control:
- Supervise the preparation and cooking of all menu items to ensure consistency and high-quality standards.Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a clean and safe working environment
- Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a clean and safe working environment
Team Leadership:
- Support the chef educator and foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and open communication
- Recruit, train, and supervise culinary assistants or teaching assistants
- In partnership with the Program Manager, schedule, and coordinate staff assignments to support instructional activities
Logistics and Operations:
- Ensure all necessary equipment, supplies, and ingredients are stocked and readily available
- Lead ordering and/or picking up cooking supplies
- Maintain accurate records of attendance and program evaluations
- Prepare reports and documentation as required by regulatory agencies or funding sources
Client Interaction
- Working with the Partnership Team to liaise with our school and community partners to incorporate the MTK into their events and programming
- Communicate with clients to understand their culinary preferences and requirements for specific events
Adaptability
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to different environments
- Work as a team member to support Harlem Grown initiatives and programs
- Serve as a role model for youth and reinforce Harlem Grown's values of honesty, respect, and responsibility
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as an Educator, Chef or Kitchen Manager or Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience in the food industry
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Creativity in menu planning and food presentation
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Drivers License Required
At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.